Description

Higher Cathedral Rock is a beautiful, large formation perched uphill from Middle Cathedral. Although it's a bit of an uphill hike to get to, compared to some other routes in the Valley, the lack of other climbers, and the views are well worth the hoof. The two most popular routes on HCR are probably the NE Buttress (5.9), a long and varied route often described as the "best 5.9 in the Valley", and Braille Book (5.8), a really nice moderate six-pitch route on the left side of the formation.

Getting There

Higher Cathedral Rock is the leftmost of the three Cathedral Rocks, found just south across the valley from El Capitan.

Follow the northeast buttress through the fifth pitch. Traverse about 15ft left below a grungy looking arch with a pin. the Crucifix starts here. Make hard lay-back moves to a long reach into thin fingers. Follow this crack to an improbable appearing open book. Stem and smear past adequate protection to a roof, traversing left and above to easy low angle climbing. Belay at the base of the curved overhanging fist crack. Two #3 Camalots and two #3.5 Camalots will see you through...[more]Browse More Classics in CA